Abraham Lincoln was an elite wrestler who lost only once in 300 matches
Some trivia is so bizarre it forces you to rethink your entire understanding of the world. Check out the fact below, see how others reacted, and scroll down to dive into the verified science and history behind it.
Before becoming president, Abraham Lincoln was one of the best wrestlers in Illinois, winning approximately 300 matches with only one known defeat in his 20s. At 6'4" with unusually long arms and exceptional strength, Lincoln used a style called 'catch-as-catch-can' and was known for throwing opponents with one hand. He is honoured in the Wrestling Hall of Fame. He was also a licensed bartender, a co-owner of a general store, and a champion rail-splitter — a physical life that his presidential image rarely reflects.
The Lincoln of portraits and the Lincoln Memorial is solemn, statesman-like, iconic. Discovering he was also a dominant athlete who barely ever lost a physical contest creates a human being far more vivid than the monument.
The Science Behind It
Before becoming president, Abraham Lincoln was one of the best wrestlers in Illinois, winning approximately 300 matches with only one known defeat in his 20s. At 6'4" with unusually long arms and exceptional strength, Lincoln used a style called 'catch-as-catch-can' and was known for throwing opponents with one hand. He is honoured in the Wrestling Hall of Fame. He was also a licensed bartender, a co-owner of a general store, and a champion rail-splitter — a physical life that his presidential image rarely reflects.
Why Your Brain Finds This Hard to Believe
OddlyHuman Editorial
VerifiedWritten and fact-checked by the OddlyHuman Behavioral Science Team. We verify all psychological, sociological, and historical claims against peer-reviewed journals, primary sources, and established encyclopedias to bring you accurate insights.
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